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Informed, engaged and empowered

Over the summer we endorsed Alex Ramel, Initiative 1631 and the Bellingham Home Fund. Until 2018, as a business, we’d never endorsed any initiatives, campaigns or politicians. Each time we said yes to an endorsement this year I wondered, what’s changed? Is it us or is it the state of the nation?

As a business we’re certainly more established than we were a few years ago. That might be part of it, but we’re also feeling the urgency of supporting causes that matter to us. Causes that are pressing and necessary. I remember reading about the owner of the Red Hen in June and what she said stuck with me. She said, “I’m not a huge fan of confrontation. I have a business, and I want the business to thrive. This feels like the moment in our democracy when people have to make uncomfortable actions and decisions to uphold their morals.” That quote stuck with me.

So this year, ahead of the mid-terms elections, we might be more outspoken than we have been in the past. We might broaden our voice, stretching beyond our normal conversations about green building, sustainable design and climate change. I think it’s fair to say that 2018 is different.

Our hope is that we will be more informed, engaged and empowered going into the midterms this fall and that we’ll help other folks do the same.